Contact: Oivind Toien
Research Assistant Professor, Institute of Arctic Biology
Email: otoien@alaska.edu

Looking for 2 students (sophomore - senior standing)

This INBRE funded research project will provide critical information that advances understanding of physiological systems that support a metabolically suppressed state in a human-sized animal during natural hibernation (75% suppression with only 5.5 °C decrease in body temperature, Toien et al. 2011, Science 331:906-909). This will be accomplished by analyzing a unique and very large set of already recorded cardiovascular data in hibernating and non-hibernating bears. The project will analyze these data for beat-to-beat heart rate variability, which is an indicator of parasympathetic activity - the neural output that slows the heart. The data set contains a wide range of physiological parameters that will provide a broader insight on the cardiovascular system and vigilance states of bears during hibernation, and can also be related to video recordings and already published data on metabolic rate. 

In addition to the help with the analysis, the project will provide unique opportunities to get familiar with the hibernation research, where UAF is a leading institution. While a basic background in biology/chemistry is required, we are seeking students with additional diverse backgrounds and interests that can benefit the project. We are in particular interested in good computer skills. The modified open source software used for the analysis currently runs under Windows. 

Prerequisites: BIOL 115/116 and CHEM 105/106

Time Commitment: Ideally 10 hours per week total of 360 hours per student in the 2024-25 academic year.

Compensation: $18/hour

Contact: Julie Avery
Research Assistant Professor
Email: jpavery@alaska.edu

We are setting up the workshops to be held with community members in Fairbanks and Anchorage. We would like to have a student help support the meetings, take notes during the meeting, and work with us to develop an iterative process for engaging community groups with Lactation and Perinatal Nutrition Research in Alaska. 

Project Abstract: 

Nutrition is an essential component of maternal (women and non-binary pregnant persons) and child  health with increased nutrient requirements in pregnancy to support both maternal health and provide  required building blocks for fetal growth and development. Maternal and fetal mortality rates are  substantially increased in those with co-morbidities such as obesity and diabetes. Importantly, these  two conditions are modifiable through nutrition intervention. However, research and interventions are  most relevant and effective when undertaken in a truly equitable and collaborative manner, particularly  in the culturally and ethnically diverse population of Alaska who depend on both store-bought and wild  foods for healthy and adequate nutrition.  

Interdisciplinary researchers at the University of Alaska (UA) are building a Community Advisory Board  (CAB) for establishing collaborative and equitable nutrition research supporting the unique needs of  Alaska communities in Maternal Child Health (MCH). Our focus is to not duplicate efforts, but to bring  together community members and health professionals with UA researchers to facilitate equitable  health research through “involvement of community members, organizational representatives, and  researchers in all aspects of the research process” termed Community Based Participatory Research. 

Our equity-based approach for CAB development will be to (a) support community as a unit of identity,  (b) build on existing community resources, (c) promote co-learning and reflection among all partners, (d)  focus on addressing community-defined problems (e) identify opportunities for balanced research  actions that benefit the community and advance science, (f) facilitate consistent dissemination of  knowledge among all partners as desired by communities, (g) establish an iterative and adaptable  process for research and community partnership with defined periods of self-reflection, learning, and  adaption of the research goals to address community needs, and (h) develop a support structure that  facilitates and maintains long-term participation by all partners (modified from Holkup et al 2004).    

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 Contact: Gwen Hennon
Assistant Professor, Biological Oceanography
Email: gmhennon@alaska.edu

Looking for 1 student (Sophomore-Senior Standing).

Our lab is interested in how phytoplankton can adapt and acclimate to climate change (hennonlab.com). We have isolated phytoplankton strains from the Northern Gulf of Alaska and we would like to characterize their growth rates over a range of temperatures to see how flexible these species are in dealing with a range of conditions. We are also interested in growing these phytoplankton longer term to see if they can adapt to higher temperature waters over time and measure rates of evolutionary change. Phytoplankton grow very quickly, around 1 generation per day, so we could possibly see evolutionary change after 4-5 months of maintaining them in culture.

 This project could also provide data for a capstone or undergraduate thesis or count towards the internship requirement for CFOS students.

Prerequisites: A student would ideally be studying biology or environmental sciences, with a preference for students who are in oceanography, marine biology or fisheries concentrations. Students would need to have a willingness to learn sterile culturing techniques and comfort with using spreadsheet software such as excel.

Time Commitment: This project would likely require around 6 hours per week and last for most of the academic year. Ideally this project would start Fall 2024, but I am flexible in terms of start and could imagine a Spring 2025 semester start as well.

Compensation: I do not have funding for this project, but I'm happy to assist you in writing a proposal to get support. I am willing to mentor a student in applying to any funding sources, I think the Climate Change Project funding opportunity would be particularly relevant.

Contact: Stephanie Crawford
Research Professional, Water and Environmental Research Center (WERC)
Email: sgcrawford@alaska.edu

Looking for 1 student (Freshman-Senior Standing).

I received a grant to examine 900 seabird muscle samples for mercury concentration. There are 17 species included in the broad study. I would work with the student to select a focal species (or guild) of interest to them that would become the focus of their sub-study (they would not be expected to analyze all 900 specimens). Depending upon the species chosen, comparisons could be made over time (2009-2023) and/or space (Aleutian Island groups and St. Mathew Island). The student would learn how to operate a mercury analyzer in our lab (Marine Ecotoxicology and Trophic Assessment Laboratory), maintain data records in a laboratory notebook and electronically, and summarize data into graphs and tables. Statistical analyses will be coached depending upon the student's background/grade level. 

We are a highly-collaborative lab, involved in a wide variety of research projects centered around contaminants in the marine food web. This would be a great opportunity to work around faculty, staff, graduate students, and other undergraduates with a similar interest, and potentially find a role in other projects after the completion of the seabird project.

Research Project Description: 

The Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands are undergoing rapid environmental changes. Large-scale summer seabird mortality events (SMEs) in this region of Alaska were rare before 2015, but have since become annual events. Although nutritional stress (emaciation) has been identified as a primary cause of mortality in these events, we are focused upon quantifying the effect of other contributing factors, specifically the exposure to ubiquitous environmental contaminants (e.g., mercury and microplastic-derived phthalate compounds) that are well-documented to have negative effects upon individual survival and reproduction. Previous research from the Marine Ecotoxicology and Trophic Assessment Laboratory (METAL) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) has demonstrated substantial spatial variability in biotic mercury concentrations across the Aleutian Archipelago and Bering Sea. Mercury concentrations in some upper trophic level marine predators from this region exceed known toxicity thresholds. Prior studies identified a doubling in the mercury concentrations of seabird livers between 1982–1985 and 2008–2010 in the Bering Sea, to levels of moderate toxicity risk for some species. Increasing mercury concentrations in the years prior to the onset of summer SMEs illustrates the need to better understand the ecological context of regional SMEs, including the potential roles of contaminants. Here, we aim to capitalize on a unique archive of seabird tissues representing 17 species sampled across 15 years (n=959 total). Not only does this assemblage of seabird tissues comprise the most-complete, longitudinal dataset of its kind, the extensive archive comes with corresponding information regarding demographics, morphometrics (body condition), bulk stable isotopes (trophic assessment), and additional contaminant measurements (phthalates). Thus, we have a unique opportunity to quantify mercury concentrations in non-SME seabird muscle tissues collected prior to, during, and since the onset of the now-annual, large-scale SMEs affecting numerous seabird species in Alaska. 

Prerequisites: Not officially. Preferred interest in biology, ecology, marine biology, seabirds, contaminants, and/or exotoxicology. Some important qualities are the ability/comfort to ask questions when not understanding or encountering a new situation, work independently once trained, communicate any deviations from lab schedule, and to maintain a clean and organized workspace as this is a shared research laboratory.

Time Commitment: The student could begin as early as October in the laboratory. We could start earlier Fall 2024 to plan student involvement and the student could conduct a literature review prior to starting laboratory work. Laboratory work and data summary would continue through Spring 2025.

Compensation: Unpaid, but willing and happy to mentor an URSA Funding proposal that benefits the broader research project and that is of interest to the student as well.

Deadline to Contact: December 31, 2024

Contact: Mike Hull
Assistant Professor of Physics
Email: mmhull2@alaska.edu

Looking for two (2) students (Freshman-Senior Standing). 

I am looking for a student for each of two projects:

1) How do students reason about radioactivity? This would involve analysis of quantitative data (student responses to a survey probing their understanding of radioactivity)

2) What do students find interesting in their physics lessons? This would involve qualitative content analysis (student reports about what they found to be most interesting in their class each week).

Prerequisites: None- an interest in how students learn and an eagerness to grow in data analysis techniques is beneficial. 

Time Commitment: These positions are available to start ASAP with a flexible workload and end date. 

Compensation: This position is currently unfunded. The mentor would be willing to provide technical support to students interested in applying for project funding. 

Contact: Carol Gray
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Email: cjgray5@alaska.edu

Looking for up to 4 students of any standing (Freshman-Senior). 

*This is an ongoing project and will accept interest past the Spring 2024 listed date.*

Time Commitment: Minimum of 10 hours per week though, if funding is provided, I would be open to students working more hours if they chose to.

Compensation: This position is unpaid. But I am happy to have interns as volunteers or if they are able to obtain grants through URSA or otherwise. I would be happy to mentor a student who is funded through URSA or some other mechanism.

Additional Position Information: 

Students would learn about archiving, historical research, and the politics and context of the anti-slavery movement from the 1800s in Canada and the U.S. Through weekly meetings with the professor, students learn about how archival research unfolds and would be part of creating a valuable data base that could be used by historians and other researchers working on civil and human rights for years to come.

When this internship was conducted at a different institution (not in Alaska), interns who worked on this project did independent research that they presented at a professional conference. I am not sure whether such opportunities would be available here in Fairbanks, but there might be some conferences that are virtual that students might apply to. I would be happy to mentor students in crafting an abstract and submitting a conference proposal. 

Contact: Lynda McGilvary
Geophysical Institute, Communications Director
Email: lmmcgilvary@alaska.edu

For this grant-funded position, we would leverage the student’s area of expertise and their future career goals to provide opportunities for the student to gain workforce experience and build their CV. Students with STEM content knowledge could assist in conceptualizing and developing curricula and videos that are used by teachers across Alaska and beyond. In addition to that work, the students may be asked to assist in planning and staffing education and outreach events, performing administrative tasks, and field-testing activities designed for K-12 students. There are opportunities for rural Alaska travel associated with the position (depending on student’s availability around their academic schedule).

Requirements: Strong background/interest in STEM or K-12 education, multicultural background or interest, strong computer skills, strong communications skills including grammar, spelling, punctuation. Preference will be given to anyone with a background living or working in rural Alaska communities or anyone with a career interest in K-12 education.

Compensation: Salary is DOE, from $16.15 to $18.18/hr.

Deadline to Contact: This position will remain open until filled. 

Contact: Sarah Stanley
Faculty, English Department
Email: sstanley2@alaska.edu
Phone: (907) 474-7335

The InsideOut StoryLab is starting to receive submissions from prisoners for a Boundaries and Bridges Story Collection. The InsideOut StoryLab: Boundaries and Bridges is a story collection from both incarcerated and unconfined writers to be distributed by portable story dispensers inside and outside of carceral settings in Alaska.

• Type up handwritten submissions
• Write response letters submissions
• Evaluate submissions
• Work with a submission database

We are always in process with collections. This is a chance to get involved with community publishing from the ground up. Sarah (your mentor) is an excellent letter writer for a recommendation. Reach out and get involved!

This position listing is looking for up to 3 students (Freshman-Senior Standing). 

Prerequisites: None

Compensation: We can work on writing a grant for this--let us know your interest. Open to mentoring students who apply for funding through URSA or other campus entities (especially a student that wants to put together a Community-Engaged Learning award for our next collection).

Contact: Thomas Kelly
Phone: 774-238-0779
Email: tbkelly@alaska.edu

Looking for four students (Freshman-Senior standing).

Alaska's marine resources are among our most valuable for in both commercial and cultural value. With AMDOC we seek to better understand the marine environment use state of the art satellite tools. First, we will merge field data with satellites to provide better estimates of biomass and productivity in Alaskan waters. Next, our improved measurements will be integrated into fishery forecasting models to allow for more accurate predictions and new insights into how fisheries (and the ecosystem) are changing. 

Prerequisites: A passion to learn new skills and share the results of the work with peers and the Alaskan public. Familiarity to computers and excel would be helpful, but everything can be learned "on the job."

Time Commitment: Hours, duration, and starting dates are completely flexible. Opportunities for at-sea field work are available as well to committed students.

Funding: Paid fellowship opportunities are available.

Mentorship Opportunities: Yes, mentorship for URSA projects available.

Contact: Richard Collins
Faculty, Geophysical Institute & Atmospheric Sciences
Director, Graduate School
Email: rlcollins@alaska.edu

In search of 1 student of any year of study (Freshman through Senior status).

UAF researchers have been studying Earth's highest clouds since the 1990's. These clouds, called noctilucent (night shining, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noctilucent_cloud) form 50 miles high in the summer over Alaska an the Arctic. They are called night shining as the are visible after dark in the late summer. We are looking for a student to use digitizing equipment at the Rasmuson library to convert video tapes to digital files, and post those files to a public website (e.g. You Tube). Student will work with faculty members and staff. Student will have opportunity to participate in related research if interested.

Additional Position Information: This job involves working with an archive of tapes that is unique. Students can learn more about noctilucent clouds at the following links.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noctilucent_cloud
• https://www.space.com/noctilucent-clouds
• https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/clouds/other-clouds/noctilucent
• https://earthsky.org/earth/night-shining-clouds-noctilucent-clouds-how-they-form-how-to-see-them/

Prerequisites: Student should have basic tech skills be able to manage data files, maintain spreadsheets of information, and have ability and interest to learn media skills.

Time Commitment: Start as soon as possible, running through Fall and Spring. Up to 20 hours a week, with total hours ~200-300 hours. The schedule would depend on access to library tape digitizing equipment, but is otherwise flexible.

Compensation: Student Assistant Grade 2, Step 14: $14.67 an hour

Contact: Simon Zwieback
Faculty, Geosciences
Email: szwieback@alaska.edu. 

Contact: Tristan Goers
GIS Technician | Digital Services | Fairbanks North Star Borough
Email: tristan.goers@fnsb.gov
Phone:  (907) 459-1477

The Fairbanks North Star Borough is offering an internship opportunity georeferencing imagery for course credit to an undergraduate student. This opportunity involves mosaicking and georeferencing scanned historical imagery of the FNSB and may also involve scripting. This work will be completed over the 2022 spring semester with the final deliverables being (1) georeferenced image tiles, (2) a georeferenced, mosaicked, image, and (3) an image tile index. The final product will be an invaluable resource not only for the Fairbanks North Star Borough but also the public at-large. You will be expected to give, at a minimum, weekly progress reports detailing the work completed, any challenges encountered, and any questions you may have.

Prerequisite: Prior exposure to remote sensing or GIS

Pay: This could be a paid internship, an unpaid project for credit, or both.
Please reach out to us to discuss further details.

Benefits: Valuable real-world experience and skills that are in great demand on the job market.

Rolling Deadline- please contact the opportunity provider listed above for more information.

Contact: Michael Roddewig
Assistant Professor, Geophysical Institute
Phone: 907-474-5936
Email: mrroddewig@alaska.edu

My research is focused on the development and deployment of optical instruments (lidars, cameras, etc.) for remote sensing of the atmosphere and optical oceanography. See https://lrlpfrr.community.uaf.edu/research/ for details on the type of work we do. The ideal candidate would enjoy building neat scientific instruments and also working outdoors. Undergraduates in my lab do not do busy work; they build and deploy real hardware and participate in the deciding the direction of the research.

Position Details:

• Prerequisites: I am not seeking any specific majors. My main prerequisite is a willingness to learn. I also expect a commitment to spend time in the lab and work independently, with supervision as required.
• Time Commitment: 10 hours per week during the semester, full time (40 hours per week) during the summer. These projects are on-going multi-year efforts and I would prefer students who plan to work for multiple years, especially during the summer.
• Pay?: All students in my lab are paid. Some projects have funding available and for others we would seek funding through Alaska Space Grant or students may apply for URSA.
• Deadline to Contact: No deadline. Projects are ongoing and I am happy to accept students at any time.

Contact: Simon Zwieback
Professor Geosciences
Phone: (907) 474-5549
Email: szwieback@alaska.edu

The project seeks to characterize permafrost landscape dynamics following temperature extremes and a bark beetle outbreak. It combines fieldwork in Alaska, soil analysis in the lab, and remote sensing data analyses.

You will collect field measurements under supervision of experienced researchers. Laboratory work will include sample preparation and analysis, and data compilation. Remote sensing analyses may comprise processing and classification of multispectral and radar remote sensing imagery, and predictive modeling using machine learning.

How long: 10 to 20 h / week during the semester, up to 40 h / week in summer.

Pay: Yes. Salary is negotiable.

Other benefits: Gain field experience in Northern Alaska, potential for research-based credits.

Contact: Dr. Javier Fochesatto
Phone: 907-474-7602
317 Akasofu Building
Email: gjfochesatto@alaska.edu